Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Having read the YWAM biography on Paul Brand I was curious to read more about this medically brilliant man. The introduction in this book, written by Philip Yancey who spent time with Paul when he was living in Carville, LA, sums up Paul's work and personality perfectly. Missionary centered, Paul was a humble man who never got used to the prosperity in the USA.Unlike most people who are glad to be free of pain, Paul knew the dangers of painlessness in his leprosy patients and actually saw many pain benefits. Having started a book many years earlier it had been 20 years since he had looked at it. In comes Philip Yancey. Spending 10 years together this book has an unusually long introduction (approximately 10%) but you get a wonderful glimpse into Yancey's heart and his appreciation of his mentor, co-author and friend, Paul Brand.Following the introduction, this book is set out in four parts: cells, bones, skin and motion. Did you know that your body has 50 billion active white blood cells with a backup force one hundred times as large in your bone marrow? Are white blood cells really sluggish? It appears that way until the attack happens! Read how they rush into action. Did you know that there are no pleasure nerves in the body? to find out more.Fancy spending time amongst 600 skeletons? Paul did! Fascinating to read ho you can determine someone's job/sport from looking at their bones. The 10 commandments, Paul-phrased, are likened to a basic skeleton. What are osteoblasts? Did you know that when you are young 100% of your bone is replaced each year? Are you a crayfish kind of Christian? Your skin weighs, on average, 9lbs. It's most critical contribution? Waterproofing. "In the absence of any other proof, the thumb alone would convince me of God's existence." This quote by Isaac Newton heads the section on motion. Talks some about rheumatoid arthritis comparing it to a civil war.Throughout this book, Pail likens the many different parts and functions of the body to the Body of Christ i.e. the Church. We, as individuals, are all different but together we make up the 'body'. Where, in your body, is the Holy of Holies? "The cerebral hemispheres of the brain."I am no scientist, in fact you could probably call that my weakest subject HOWEVER I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If nothing else it gave me further awe into God's amazing creation of the human body. I would recommend this to teenagers on up. IMPORTANT: This is NOT a biography of Paul's life. To learn more of his parent's work in India along with Paul's life helping leprosy sufferers I suggest you read Paul Brand: Helping Hands by Janet and Geoff Benge or one similar. I purchased this book for my Kindle. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz

Rare book and decent price point.

This book is profound.

This book had been recommended to me.Not being a math and science person I sort of put it down on my list. I'm sorry I prejudged it. This book's look at the human body and it's comparison to the body of Christ had me hooked from the first few pages of the introduction,To see how specialized the functions of processes and minute parts of the body are made me look so differently at the church as it functions as the body of Christ. Each is called to a specific and unique function to benefit the whole.This doctor uses knowledge acquired in treating leprosy to his life as a believer and the writer then relates this understanding to the reader in a simple, understandable, engaging way. The book is detailed enough to give depth of understanding but never assumes the readers are medical or divinity school students.The fact that this doctor's specialty was working with lepers made the book all that much more intriguing.Leprosy is not a disease we are familiar with in this part of the world or in this day and time.I'm left with the thought of all the microscopic parts that kick into action instantaneously to perform specific tasks to heal the the damage from something as unremarkable as a finger prick.The human body is truly awesomely designed.

Are we just flesh and blood or are we something far more amazing? The author answers this question by first breaking down the human body bone by bone, cell by cell, neuron by neuron to demonstrate that we are intricately made with details so precise it is impossible to say we are an abstract cosmic accident. But not stopping there he goes on to describe the same uniqueness with the Body of Christ. People are not an accident neither is the Church in which the Spirit of Christ dwells. My eyes were opened to truths so basic I'm still wondering how I was so oblivious. A must read for scholar, student and liver of God.

Book came wrapped in plastic and in a bubble wrap envelope.Very pleased

This book is not just for scientists, but for anyone who needs to hear that they are uniquely made both physically and for a purpose. No one is here by accident and this book gets me so excited that I want to share it with anyone who will read it. I've already lent it to some biology and nursing students. If you like this book and want to find your purpose in life you should read "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. I am reading it right now and seriously, it challenges me to see how I am using my time and money, how I treat myself and other people, and challenges me to have a more authentic relationship with my family, friends, strangers, etc. as well as with my Creator. I hope you take time to read these because their chapters are short enough if you have a busy schedule and you can meditate/think about it during the day.

If you are a Christian, you will be inspired by Dr. Paul Brand's comparisons of the human body with the allegorical body of Christ.If you are not a Christian, you should read this book anyway, because his incredible descriptions of the working of your physical body will make you understand that you walk around daily in a body that should inspire your awe.Each chapter is about a part of the body -- blood, bones, skin etc. and can stand alone and/ or be read in any order.The chapters are short and are described in easy to understand terms. This book came from Dr. Brand's notes and observations over the years as he pioneered in understanding and developing ways to help people with leprosy. That in itself is fascinating. Philip Yancey convinced and helped him turn it into a book. Another book by the duo, In His Image is also excellent.